The death has been announced of one of Ireland's foremost singer-songwriters, Christie Hennessy.

Born in Tralee in Co Kerry, he worked for many years in England and achieved much commercial success following the release of his debut album in 1992.

A statement, posted on his official website, said: "It is with great sadness that we announce that Christie passed away this morning.

"We just want you all to know how much that Christie appreciated your love and support over the years. He will be sadly missed by all."

A renowned songwriter as well as performer, he wrote several songs that became hits for other singers including 'Don't Forget your Shovel', made famous by Christy Moore, and 'All the Lies that You Told Me', recorded by Frances Black.

Christie's song writing is about life, dreams and the reality of the people in them. He is never one to go down the easy route of writing a song with good music and empty lyrics. Christie takes you on an emotional awareness that life can also be painful and lonely.

He is a man who writes with honesty and feelings from his heart and soul. He is the ultimate storyteller of our time.

History:

Christie was born in Tralee, County Kerry; he was the youngest of 9 children.

There was always music in the house. His father played jazz on the accordian, Henry Curtin played drums (Frank Sinatra's drummer), his Mother a great storyteller, sang traditional Irish songs. Neighbours and family members would join in the regular sessions of music and song. (Happy Days)

From these early memories, Christie's influences span from Elvis, Al Johnston, Bill Haley, Fats Domino, Robert Johnston, Mississippi John Hurt to The Beatles and all Musicals.

Christie left school at 11½ (the ½ he says is important). At 15 he went to work on building sites in London by day and played in the R&B clubs by night.

Christie was 23 when he wrote his first song.

"The Green Album" his first, was released in 1972, "The Rehearsal" 1992 (triple platinum), "A Year In The Life" 1993 (quadruple platinum), "Lord of Your Eyes" 1994 (triple platinum), "The Box" 1996 (triple platinum, "This Is As Far As I Go" 1999 (double platinum), "The Definitive Christie Hennessy" 2003, "Stories For Sale" 2005, "The Platinum Collection" 2007.

Christie was discovered by the late John Peel.

Christie composed the theme tune and incidental music for the BBC TV series "Get Well Soon" written by Ray Galton ("Steptoe & Son") and composed and wrote a Musical/Feature film about his native Ireland ("Two Stops to Paradise".

As well as writing Christie has produced two of his own albums with Steve Nye, "The Box" and "This Is As Far As I Go", he solo produced Aled Jones' album "Whenever God Shines His Light".

The following legendary Irish artists all attained their first No.1's covering his songs.

Christie is Patron to the Irish charity "Children in Crossfire". His special focus is on the schools literacy programmes, as Christie is unable to read or write himself. Due to his childhoold years spent roaming the countryside rather than attending school. He suffered from severe dyslexia which was not picked at school.

Following a trip to Kenya with the Charity and spending time in the different villages with the children, Christie wrote a song "A Price For Love". Christie thought it was very important that the lyrics came from what the children would say to us all if they could. All royalties from this single are being donated to the Charity in perpetuity.

Had the pleasure of watching Christy perform on stage many times at Market Place Armagh.Excellent singer/song writer and a great storyteller. Always found him a sincere and friendly person to talk to who would willingly sign autographs and pose for photographs for fans. Lonely boy and All the lies that you told me were 2 of my favourite Christy songs. A truly nice man who will be sadly missed.

So so sad to hear of Christie's passing. He was such a beautiful person. He will be sadly missed all over the world. His music and lyrics showed us how simple life could be. Thank you Christie for such wonderful lyrics

I remember him around the folk scene in the south east in the early 70s as a charming Irish hippy with delightful songs and an enviable guitar technique. I was so pleased for him when success came his way. He deserved it.